Joseph "Joe" Michael Breen

The family of Joseph Michael Breen regrettably announces his passing on October 2, 2022, in Raleigh, NC at the age of 69. “Joe” was born in, Massachusetts on June 2, 1953, and was raised in Medford. He spent his life in the service of others as a fire fighter in the United States Air Force Reserve and as an Emergency Medical Technician while attending the University of Massachusetts, Boston from which he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Legal Education Services. He also worked for the States of Massachusetts, Florida, and North Carolina in various roles protecting children, the elderly, and the disabled in addition to running multiple programs benefitting the mentally ill and homeless. Joe returned to UMass Boston earning a master’s degree in Human Services Administration. At the end of his life, he was Section Chief of Planning and Service Supports with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services.

He was a member of multiple service organizations throughout his life including the Irish American Club of Malden, MA, where he played the bass drum in the club’s bagpipe band and served on the Club’s board for scholarship and annual road race committee. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus in Tampa, FL as well as actively involved in programs at his children’s schools.

Joe was an avid sports fan often found cheering on his beloved Notre Dame University and New England sports teams. He enjoyed playing golf and served as a volunteer at two US Open Golf Championships. A lover of history and music, he enjoyed reading historical biographies and listening to a wide variety of music. He leaves a legacy of love for family, friends, and an example of stewardship of all things.

Joe is survived by his wife of 26 years Leslee (Boykin), daughters AnnMarie and Katherine, son William (Raleigh), sister Linda Coletti and her husband David (Beverly, MA), brother Robert Breen and his wife Anne (Scituate, MA), four nephews, six great nephews, and one great niece. He was proceeded in death by his parents William and Elizabeth (Bux) Breen and nephew Daniel Breen.

The family will receive well-wishers on Monday, October 10, 2022, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 Saint Mary’s Street, Raleigh. The funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 125 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh. Burial following service at Raleigh Memorial Park, 7501 Glenwood Avenue, Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Pine Street Inn, New England’s leading provider of housing, shelter, street outreach and job training to the homeless in Greater Boston.